Can I receive SSD benefits for my back pain?

Social Security Disability benefits are awarded by the Social Security Administration based on the type of the disabling condition the claimant has. When someone has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents them from engaging in any substantial gainful activity and the impairment is expected to last for or has lasted for more than 12 months or can result in death. Basically, this means the person is unable to gain substantial employment.

The disability must be medically determinable, which means it must be a result of some psychological, physiological or anatomical abnormalities that can be proven. This means medical evidence must prove that a person has a mental or physical impairment-simply outlining symptoms is not enough. The Bluebook outlines the disabling conditions that could qualify for SSD benefits, in addition to 88 conditions that would automatically qualify a person for benefits, known as compassionate allowances program. This program basically expedites the process for those who have severe medical conditions.

One of the disabling conditions mentioned by the SSA is of back pain. Though people do not take back pain seriously, it is one of the most common types of chronic pain and can be caused simply by sitting improperly or crouching or lifting heavy objects-back injuries or repetitive motions on the job could contribute to back pain. It can also be from arthritis, degenerative discs and herniated discs. Symptoms include numbness and shooting pain and can range from mild to severe.

Unfortunately, many people work through their back pain, which is why many back pain applications end up getting rejected. Approval is generally granted only if the pain is ongoing, unresponsive to treatments and severe. It would help if it could be demonstrated that it is no longer safe to keep working. Dealing with pain is difficult enough and getting the documentation ready to prove one has a disabling condition could take a toll on one's health. An experienced attorney may be able to guide Cincinnati residents through the process.

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